#a whitewater romance

[watchinghallmark]

A Whitewater Romance - May 11th on Hallmark Channel

Maya attends an exclusive business retreat in the Rocky Mountains where she meets Matt who, initially, is her competitor. As they're forced to pair up, an unlikely connection begins to evolve. Starring Cindy Busby and Ben Hollingsworth.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

A Whitewater Romance

Premiering Saturday, May 11, 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel.

Starring Cindy Busby and Benjamin Hollingsworth.

Part of Countdown to Summer.

[bonefall]

Do you have any plans for BB!Nightcloud's relationships beyond Crowfeather? Her divorcing him and marrying Leafpool isn't... feasible, unfortunately, but it would be the funniest possible thing she could do. Are there any WindClan cats she could wife/husband/spouse up while giving Crow the well-deserved finger?

I want her to have some friends, but the cornerstone of her character is that unfortunately she is quite lonely.

She doesn't want to be like Hillrunner. Hillrunner taught her about fear, she taught her to always have a backup plan, she taught her to watch her tone, her actions, the amount of space she was occupying at any moment. She taught her not to trust.

She doesn't want to be like Hillrunner. She lost a mother she doesn't remember to Crookedstar and Nightstar. She lost her Mi to TigerClan. She lost her sister to BloodClan. She lost her rebellion leader to StarClan's fury.

She doesn't want to be like Hillrunner. How do you not be like Hillrunner? What does it look like to be unlike her?

Keeping friends is difficult. It feels like everyone is just tolerating her. Nightcloud doesn't know the right things to say, or if they even like her or if they're just pretending. Crowfeather makes this worse; try to be genuine with him and he'll turn that against you. Argue too much and he'll accuse her of not listening. You can't play fair with unfair people.

Breezekit makes sense. This is the first time anything has felt easy since Tawnyfur died.

So I don't know if romance is really in the cards for her. She would like it, wants it, but Crowfeather has soured it badly. What she really needs is some friends.

I have a few interesting ones in mind;

Whitewater of ShadowClan: she is the secret parent of Harespring and Kestrelflight with Mudclaw, I think it's interesting if her and Night were close-ish as rebels, but now, looking at each other... brings up complicated feelings. Maybe Nightcloud can request to mentor Harepaw.

Addersong: A kit that Tallstar saved while he was a warrior, grew up into a happy and joyful adult. He was Nightcloud's mentor, but joins the Elder's den sometime after arriving at the Lake. I feel like he should always be someone Night can turn to.

Willowclaw: Background warrior who's getting a boost because WindClan needs more going on. Fellow fantastic warrior who likes to spar with her. Maybe when Nightcloud is out of the relationship with Crowfeather she starts actively trying to hang out with Willow, who's kind of secretive.

(Note: Leafpool x Nightcloud is one of my very harmless squicks. I mean no judgement to others, I know it's popular with other Nightcloud fans, but I strongly dislike it so it's never going to be considered in any way for BB.)

[patrochillesvibes]

For the ask meme: 13. Stay home/go-out? What are their date nights like? 😊

This is an excellent question.

One of their secrets to keeping romance alive is every Friday night is date night. Typically they go out to a restaurant and have lots of sex, but once a month or so it’s a date night in. Overall, what they do really depends on the season and Patroclus’ work schedule. To compensate they will go away for a long weekend.

Date Night In

They’re eating takeout. It will depend on the mood. Sometimes sushi, sometimes samosas, sometimes Korean BBQ, sometimes pizza, etc. There are usually candles lit and some music on. Achilles is a wine snob, so there will be wine. (they usually have to take a sex break during the meal -depending on how spicy the food is). If Pat’s not too tired from work, there will also be some slow dancing (this is especially true if Achilles is in one of his Pyrrha moods).

Then it’s cuddling up on the couch for a movie. Depending on how interesting the movie is, they’ll either have couch sex or fall asleep. If Pat gets home at a decent time, they may also play a sexy game involves some form of foreplay or stripping.

Winter

They like to go ice skating and get hot chocolate. They will take long weekends to go to the mountains to ski/snowboard. They always go on a winter holiday.

Spring

Splurging on high-end restaurants. Go to a museum or gallery. Walk in the park. Cook a fancy dinner together.

Summer

They take long weekends to go to the beach/lake house. They don’t care for fishing and are not really into boating. But they are into kayaking and whitewater rafting! Weekends would probably include hiking or horseback riding and a picnic.

Go for a walk/cycle. Walk down to the waterfront to enjoy the sunset while sitting and holding hands. Otherwise date nights are all about ice cream! Usually they do some cycling to get to the place. Achilles will always try a crazy flavor. Pat will warn him that he won’t like it and oops now Achilles thinks it’s a challenge. Pat’s always right in the end. Achilles will end up eating Pat’s classic and sensible flavors while Pat ends up with the weird ice cream that makes his teeth hurt.

Fall

Walks in the park and apple cider. Attend a (European) football game.

Long weekends for a cabin/lake house where they do typical Fall couple stuff involving apple picking, carving pumpkins, and corn mazes.

~

College-age they’re going to bars and clubs most Fridays. Though after a certain drink limit Achilles gets extremely handsy and they usually get kicked out for indecency.

Oh, and if you were wondering about more silly activities like paint night, bowling, mini golf, karaoke etc. those are activities Achilles does with his girl friends and they’re usually very drunk.

[thimblerockpointco]

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[tvrundownusa]

tvrundown USA 2024.05.11

Saturday, May 11th:

(exclusive movies): "Deadbolt" (TUBI, horror, ~85mins), "My Husband Hired A Hitman" (TUBI, crime thriller, ~90mins)

(livestream specials): Eurovision Song Contest 2024 (Peacock, Grand Finale), 2024 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (netflix, 25th annual, honoring Kevin Hart)

(streaming weekly): The Great Indian Kapil Show (netflix), The Atypical Family (netflix), The Fable (hulu)

(original made-for-TV movies): "A Whitewater Romance" (HALL, 2hrs), "Mommy Meanest" (LIFE, 2hrs+)

(other highlights): Murdoch Mysteries (OVAtion), "ABBA: Against the Odds" (theCW, documentary, 2hrs), Nikki Glaser: "Someday You'll Die" (HBO, standup special), Saturday Night Live (NBC, "Maya Rudolph | Vampire Weekend")

(latenight "Toonami" [adultswim]): Ninja Kamui (marathon, first 7 eps, English dub)

[laresearchette]

Saturday, May 11, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: MOMMY MEANEST (Lifetime Canada) 8:00pm NIKKI GLASER: SOMEDAY YOU’LL DIE (HBO Canada) 10:00pm

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA NWSL: RACING LOUISVILLE FC V WASHINGTON SPIRIT  

CRAVE TV NIKKI GLASER: SOME DAY YOU’LL DIE

NETFLIX CANADA MARK TWAIN PRIZE AWARD: KEVIN HART IIHF MEN’S HOCKEY (TSN/TSN4) 6:00am: Great Britian vs. Canada (TSN) 10:00am: Austria vs. Denmark (TSN4) 10:00am: Poland vs. Latvia (TSN4) 2:00pm: U.S. vs. Germany

MLB BASEBALL (SN/SN1) 2:30pm: Twins vs. Jays (Look for me!) (SN Now) 4:00pm: Yankees vs. Rays

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN5) 3:30pm: Game 3 - Thunder vs. Mavericks (TSN/TSN4) 8:30pm: Game 3 - Celtics vs. Cavalier

NHL HOCKEY (CBC/SN) 7:00pm: Game 4  - Rangers vs. Hurricanes (SN/SN1) 10:00pm: Game 3 - Stars vs. Avalanche

PWHL HOCKEY (TSN4) 7:00pm: Game 2 - Boston vs. Montreal

OHL HOCKEY (TSN3) 7:00pm: Game 2 - Oshawa Generals vs. London Knights

MLS SOCCER (TSN5) 7:30pm: CF Montreal vs. Miami (TSN5) 10:30pm: LAFC vs. Vancouver

A WHITEWATER ROMANCE (W Network) 8:00pm:   Maya attends an exclusive business retreat in the Rocky Mountains where she meets a man who's a competitor. As they're forced to pair up, an unlikely connection begins to evolve.

THE ENGAGEMENT BACK-UP (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm:  When a historian is entrusted with the legacy of her late father's nautical museum, she pretends that she's engaged to the infamous son of a tech mogul to save it.

EXPEND4BLES (Crave) 9:00pm:  Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on, the Expendables are the world's last line of defense and the team that gets called when all other options are off the table.

THE ENGINEER (Starz Canada) 9:00pm:  A depiction based on the true story of the manhunt for Yahya Ayyash aka "The Engineer."

A PODCAST TO DIE FOR (Super Channel Fuse) 9:00pm:  When the host of a true crime podcast stumbles upon an unsolved local murder, she quickly finds herself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse that exposes the horrible truth behind the killings.

WHL HOCKEY (TSN/TSN4) 10:00pm: Game 2 - Moose Jaw Warriors vs. Portland Winterhawks

KRISHNAS: GURUS. KARMA. MURDER (Crime + Investigation) 10:00pm/11:00pm (SERIES PREMIERE): As Swami Prabhupada expands the Hare Krishna religion across America, renegade disciple Keith Ham rises within the movement; a rebellious devotee disappears.  In Episode Two, Detective Westfall searches for a missing devotee who may have been murdered; Guru Keith Ham raises millions to build the palace of gold.

SNIPER: G.R.I.T. GLOBAL RESPONSE & INTELLIGENCE TEAM (Crave) 10:45pm:  Ace Sniper Brandon Beckett and the newly-formed Global Response & Intelligence Team -- or G.R.I.T. -- led by Colonel Stone, must travel across the world to Malta, infiltrate a cult, and take out its leader to free Lady Death and stop a global threat.

MALIGNANT (CTV) 12:35am:  Paralyzed by fear from shocking visions, a woman's torment worsens as she discovers her waking dreams are terrifying

[movierecipe]

A Whitewater Romance 2024 Hallmark Movie Cast, Plot, Release Date "A Whitewater Romance" Hallmark Movie preview cast, plot and more. Cindy Busby & Benjamin Hollingsworth star in a charming new Hallmark rom-com. Businesswoman competes with a rugged outdoorsman for a promotion... and maybe love! Watch the review to see their journey from rivals to rafting partners! #WhitewaterRomanceHallmark #BusinessVsOutdoors #HallmarkLoveStory #mustwatchmovies Watch Official Trailer Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnJCFcEdCDM For more updates, Subscribe Now: https://www.youtube.com/@movierecipe2070?sub_confirmation=1 via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvGJsKNLIRs

[corduroyinn]

West Virginia Wonderland: Discovering Outdoor Wedding Venues

Introduction

Nestled within the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia offers a wonderland of outdoor wedding venues that promise to make couples' special day truly unforgettable. From lush gardens to majestic mountaintops, these venues provide the perfect backdrop for couples to exchange vows amidst nature's splendor. In this guide, we'll explore the diverse range of outdoor wedding venues that West Virginia has to offer, each offering its own unique charm and appeal.

Enchanting Gardens and Botanical Sanctuaries

For couples seeking a romantic and picturesque setting for their wedding ceremony, West Virginia's enchanting gardens and botanical sanctuaries provide an idyllic backdrop. These meticulously landscaped spaces feature vibrant blooms, winding pathways, and serene water features, creating a tranquil oasis for couples and their guests to enjoy. Whether saying "I do" beneath a canopy of blooming flowers or exchanging vows amidst lush greenery, these garden venues offer a fairy-tale ambiance that is both enchanting and timeless.

Riverside Retreats and Lakeside Getaways

Imagine exchanging vows with the gentle sound of flowing water as your backdrop or the shimmering surface of a lake reflecting the love and joy of your special day. West Virginia's riverside retreats and lakeside getaways offer couples the opportunity to celebrate their union amidst the beauty of nature's waterways. With panoramic views and serene surroundings, these outdoor venues provide a tranquil and romantic setting for couples to begin their journey together.

Mountain Majesty and Panoramic Views

For couples who dream of saying "I do" with sweeping mountain vistas as their backdrop, West Virginia's mountain wedding venues offer a majestic setting that is sure to take their breath away. Whether atop a scenic overlook or nestled in a cozy valley, these venues provide panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, creating a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. With the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains as their backdrop, couples can exchange vows surrounded by the natural grandeur of West Virginia's wilderness.

Rustic Barns and Farmsteads

For couples seeking a wedding venue with rustic charm and pastoral elegance, West Virginia's barns and farmsteads offer a perfect blend of romance and nostalgia. These historic venues, often nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant pastures, provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for couples and their guests to celebrate their love. With their weathered wood beams, spacious interiors, and picturesque surroundings, these barn venues offer a rustic elegance that is both charming and timeless.

Adventurous Escapes and Outdoor Adventures

For adventurous couples who love the great outdoors, West Virginia's outdoor adventure venues offer a unique and exhilarating setting for wedding celebrations. From mountaintop ceremonies to riverside receptions with whitewater rafting excursions, these venues cater to couples seeking an adrenaline-fueled wedding experience. With a myriad of outdoor activities and adventures to choose from, couples can start their journey into marriage with an unforgettable celebration amidst the natural beauty of West Virginia's wilderness.

Conclusion

In West Virginia's "outdoor wedding venues in west virginia", couples can discover a wonderland of natural beauty, romance, and adventure that sets the perfect stage for their special day. Whether exchanging vows in enchanting gardens, riverside retreats, mountain majesty, rustic barns, or adventurous outdoor settings, each venue offers its own unique charm and appeal. As couples embark on their journey into marriage surrounded by the splendor of West Virginia's wilderness, they create memories that will last a lifetime, proving that when it comes to outdoor weddings, the Mountain State truly is a wonderland to behold.

[watchinghallmark]

A Whitewater Romance -

Really dumb. I watched it at 2x speed and wished I'd sped through it even faster. The location was gorgeous but the plot was so weird. If my employer expected me to compete in random outdoor challenges that had nothing to do with my job to get a promotion I'd be looking for another job. Those of you who skipped this one obviously made the right decision. Cindy's character was exactly as expected. Ben's character didn't really do much for me either.

What'd you think of this one?

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Hallmark's 2024 Countdown to Summer Lineup

A Lifelong Love (premiered las year on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)

A Whitewater Romance

Everything Puppies

Big Sky River: The Bridal Path (premiered las year on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)

[paradiseinfiji0]

A Blissful Escape: Crafting Your Perfect Fiji Honeymoon Experience

Stepping onto the sun-kissed shores of Fiji, you're greeted by a world of romance, luxury, and unparalleled beauty. As one of the world's most coveted honeymoon destinations, Fiji offers couples a magical escape where every moment is infused with love and adventure. Join us as we delve into the enchanting allure of a Fiji honeymoon, and discover the unique experiences that await you in this tropical paradise.

Secluded Island Retreats: Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore, with nothing but crystal-clear waters stretching as far as the eye can see. In Fiji, you'll find a plethora of secluded island resorts offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury. From overwater bungalows perched above vibrant coral reefs to beachfront villas nestled amidst swaying palms, each accommodation option promises a romantic haven where you can unwind and reconnect with your loved one.

Cultural Immersion: Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, Fiji is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. Embark on a journey of discovery as you immerse yourself in traditional Fijian rituals, from kava ceremonies to meke dances performed by local villagers. Explore bustling markets filled with colorful handicrafts and indulge in delicious Fijian cuisine, bursting with exotic flavors and fresh seafood.

Adventure and Exploration: For thrill-seeking couples, Fiji offers a wealth of exhilarating adventures waiting to be experienced. Dive beneath the waves to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or embark on a scenic hike through lush rainforests to discover hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, why not try your hand at zip-lining through the jungle or embark on a heart-pounding whitewater rafting expedition?

Serenity and Relaxation: Of course, no honeymoon would be complete without ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Treat yourselves to a blissful couples' massage at a luxury spa, where expert therapists will melt away your cares with soothing treatments inspired by ancient Fijian traditions. Alternatively, simply unwind together on a secluded beach, basking in the warm tropical sun and savoring each precious moment of tranquility.

Sunset Cruises and Romantic Dinners: As the day draws to a close, embark on a romantic sunset cruise aboard a traditional Fijian sailing boat, where you'll toast to your love as you watch the sky ignite with fiery hues. Afterwards, indulge in a candlelit dinner for two on the beach, where you'll dine on delectable cuisine beneath the stars, serenaded by the gentle lapping of the waves.

Conclusion: A Fiji honeymoon is more than just a vacation – it's a journey of love, adventure, and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking secluded romance, thrilling adventures, or blissful relaxation, Fiji offers the perfect setting to create your dream honeymoon experience. So why wait? Let the magic of Fiji sweep you off your feet and embark on the romantic adventure of a lifetime with your beloved.

[bestgiftsforyou]

Unwrap Lasting Memories with Awestruck's Anniversary Gift Experiences!

Forget the predictable anniversary gifts. This year, ditch the dust bunnies and gift your special someone an experience they'll never forget! At Awestruck, we believe anniversary gifts should be more than just things – they should be adventures, shared moments, and memories that spark joy for years to come.

Picture this: Soaring above breathtaking landscapes in a hot air balloon, your laughter echoing in the wind. Or, imagine yourselves mastering the art of sushi-making in a fun and intimate cooking class, chopsticks clinking in playful competition. These are just a few of the unique experiences Awestruck offers to make your anniversary unforgettable. ✨

But don't just take our word for it! Hear from real couples who've experienced the magic of Awestruck:

❤️ "Awestruck's weekend getaway to Napa Valley reignited the romance! Wine tasting, cozy evenings by the fireplace – it was pure bliss." - Sarah & Michael

"The cooking class was a blast! We learned new skills, laughed until our sides hurt, and now we have delicious memories (and recipes) to cherish." - Emily & David

"The hot air balloon ride was a dream come true! The breathtaking views and the feeling of being weightless together – it was truly magical." - John & Anna

Want to create your own unforgettable anniversary story? Look no further! Awestruck has curated a collection of experiences for every taste and budget:

Adventure seekers: Hike through stunning landscapes, kayak down crystal-clear rivers, or embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. ‍♀️

Foodies: Master the art of sushi-making, indulge in a wine tasting tour, or take a private cooking class with a renowned chef. ‍

Culture vultures: Visit historical landmarks, explore vibrant cities, or attend a world-class concert or theater performance. ️️

Wellness enthusiasts: Relax and rejuvenate with a couples spa day, enjoy a yoga retreat in a serene setting, or take a mindfulness meditation class together. ‍♀️‍♀️️

And guess what? To celebrate our amazing Tumblr community, we're offering an exclusive 15% discount on all anniversary experience gifts! Just use the code TUMBLERLOVE at checkout.

Don't let another anniversary pass by without creating a lasting memory. Head over to Awestruck and discover the perfect experience gift to make your love story even more extraordinary!

[digitalsatyr23]

Night at the Carnival (Commission)

Setting: Earth (urban fantasy AU) Characters: Aki, Jaune Genres: Slice of Life, Romance Word Count: 6,606

It was a late night in September, and there was a chill in the air. Aki, a university student, was trying to make his way back to his dorm very carefully. He was out past curfew, and if he didn’t make it back in time, he’d be locked out of the building. This didn’t mean he’d be trapped outside, but it did mean he’d have to reveal himself in order to get back in. He had gotten plenty of flack for sneaking in and out before, and he didn’t want to know what would happen this time. So, walking softly on his white-furred paws, Aki sneaked through the darkness.

In this world, there are many different kinds of people. Some tall, some short, some fat, some thin. Some people have pointy ears, animal-like legs, or even bushy tails. In Aki’s case, he was a kitsune – a humanoid fox with minor shapeshifting abilities. Kitsune were often touted as beings of great power and mischief in folktales, but in the modern era, people like Aki proved they were just like everyone else – just a bit fuzzier.

Despite the physical differences between humans, kitsune, and the other races, they all got along quite well in the modern era – with some exceptions – and any separation between race was a thing of the distant past. As such, Aki was considered a perfectly normal student at Whitewater University in Benard City, and despite not always following the rules, Aki was considered a capable student among his fellow fashion majors.

Aki stepped lightly on the pads of his paws. The sidewalks leading up to the entrance of the dorm were well-lit, so he made his way around to the back of the building. A certain tree with branches reaching just close enough to his dorm window was his aim, and unless something unexpected occurred, there wouldn’t be any trouble getting into his room.

In time, Aki made it to the tree and scurried up the trunk. After wriggling along the branch that reached towards his dorm window, he noticed something. The blinds weren’t down. On one hand, this made it easier to see if Aki’s roommate was awake – which was likely, given the light was on. However, he didn’t see his roommate anywhere. As strange as it was, there was no reason to stop now, so Aki wriggled along the branch further and further until he could start tapping on the window. Then, he saw the bathroom door open around the corner in his room. His roommate, Jaune, just got out of the shower and was wearing nothing but shorts.

Steam billowed into the room as Jaune walked out, light shining off of the condensation on his athletic body. The young man was rubbing his hair dry with a towel. Aki wasn’t sure why, but he could feel his cheeks getting flushed and his heart rate quickening. Then Aki saw Jaune about to change and let out a yelp, losing his grip and falling onto the bushes below. The commotion caught the attention of a patrolling security guard, who was quick to run over and help Aki out.

“Aki, what are you doing out here so late, man?” asked the guard. He was a cyclops named Murphy, and he was well-acquainted with Aki’s troublemaking ways.

The kitsune picked leaves out of his clothes and said, “Oh, it was just my restless leg syndrome acting up.”

“Restless leg syndrome?”

“Yeah. It’s when… My legs are restless. And I need to move them around a bit.”

“Couldn’t you do that in your room?”

“How many cubic feet do you think I have in there?”

“Fair point. Still, you really need to cut this bad habit of yours. The school takes curfew very seriously, and I can only cover for you so much.”

Aki grumbled at this and said, “Fine. But I’m gonna be a grump about it.”

“Good enough for me,” said Murphy. After the guard escorted Aki to the dorm’s front door and unlocked it for him, Aki turned momentarily to the guard.

“Thanks, by the way.”

“No problem, kid.”

Aki made his way up the stairs to his right. The dorm building had three floors in total, and his room was on the second floor on the eastern side. The kitsune’s legs felt heavy, not because he was tired, but because of the circumstances. Murphy was right. Despite it being a half-decent school, Whitewater University was still old-fashioned, being one of the few schools in the area that even had a curfew. Supposedly it was tied to an unfortunate incident that happened to students decades ago and the rules were never changed. Rules were fine and all, but locking up the building before 8pm? Most businesses in the surrounding area didn’t close until 11pm. It was ridiculous! At least, that’s how Aki felt about it.

Then there was the matter with Jaune…

Why did I react that way? thought Aki. I’ve been roommates with Jaune for a while, and it’s not like I’ve never seen him shirtless before, but…

The image was still crystal clear in Aki’s mind. The angle, the lighting, the circumstances. He felt weird, almost like he had become a voyeur, but he couldn’t stop thinking about it. As Aki turned the key in his room’s doorknob, he couldn’t help but mutter, “I don’t get it.”

Once inside, Aki noticed that Jaune was huddled up in his blanket across the room, half-sitting up on his bed with a laptop out and headphones in, gaming. It didn’t take long for Jaune to notice Aki, to which he simply slipped one of his headphones off with one finger like Jaune had done it a million times before.

“How was the show?” asked Jaune.

“It was fine… The show was fine, at least,” Aki said, realizing there were still leaves on his clothes. His ears drooped. While he continued grooming himself, Aki said, “Everyone’s outfits were so pretty! And the way everyone used their materials was great too. I’ve never seen tires used in that way before.”

“It sounds like there’s a ‘but’ waiting in the wing.”

Aki sighed. “Yeah… I got caught again.”

“Did you not make it to the window? I would have let you in like normal.”

“I…” Aki mulled over whether he wanted to be honest and decided against it. “I just didn’t make it to the tree this time. Murphy was on patrol and spotted me right away.”

“Damn, I’m sorry.”

“No…” Aki put his jacket away and flopped face-first onto his bed. “It’s all good. I’ll figure something out… Eventually… Hopefully the staff don’t hear about this. Although,” Aki spun around, facing Jaune, “I have half a mind to tell the dean how I feel about this stupid curfew. Most of the people here are adults, and I’m tired of being treated otherwise! If I can smoke, drink, buy porn, or drive a car, I should be able to live by my own schedule!”

“I mean… You could if you were an off-campus student.”

“Do you know how much rent is around here? I ain’t dealing with that shit!”

“Well the way I look at it is this is the school’s house, and since we live in the school’s house, we follow the school’s rules. It’s sorta like living with a distant relative, except they still ask for rent… At a reduced price, though.”

Aki buried their head under their pillow, grumbling, “Man, fuck rules, fuck rent, and fuck the system. Let’s just tear it all down and do whatever.”

“I’d be happy to join you, but I don’t think I’m gonna find a conch shell in the middle of Benard.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing…”

Aki wasn’t sure how to respond, so they just kept grumbling. Complaining and cursing always made him feel better, so he just kept doing it until it was out of his system. Once he could breathe again, he sat up, his hair now messy from rolling around in bed so much. He blew a strand of hair hanging over his good eye and decided, “Dammit, I should probably shower too.”

“Shower… Too?” Jaune asked.

Aki’s face went red as he said, “Nothing!”, then he ran into the bathroom.

With the bathroom door locked, Aki stripped down and got in the shower, running the water nice and hot. There was still a bit of condensation on the bathroom mirror, so Aki drew a little heart in it before taking their shower. Despite his legs’ shape and fluffy tail, showering wasn’t too difficult for someone like Aki – it just paid to be thorough. He went through the motions of scrubbing, shampooing, and rinsing, all while thinking about his circumstances. Aki wasn’t anywhere close to graduating, but he could already feel the strain of having to follow the school’s schedule. He was doing fine in class, and he even made some connections with fashion designers in the city, so it’s not like he wasn’t getting anything out of it, but what Aki cherished above all was freedom. The freedom to go where he wanted, do what he wanted, and say what he wanted. The more people tried putting him in a box, the more he tried breaking out of it. He had always been like that, ever since he was old enough to climb out of his baby crib. But the thing was, he didn’t want to live off-campus. He had friends at the school, clubs, easy access to events, and…

Aki shook his head. Something about Jaune of all people suggesting he live off-campus just didn’t feel good. He knew his roommate meant well by it, but he didn’t want to part ways like that. He liked being roommates with Jaune. They understood each other, even if they didn’t always verbalize it. But was that really all he felt?

“Man… Feelings are bullshit,” Aki muttered, turning the shower off. He scrubbed himself down with a towel, slipped on some clothes, and wiped away the condensation in the mirror to get a good look at himself. Aki considered himself to be a fairly handsome kitsune, with smooth skin across most of his slender body, save his lower legs and tail, which were dominated by white fur. His hair was white as well, and long enough that he preferred keeping it in a ponytail if he could, and his head was topped with two white-furred fox ears. His eyes were gold in color, though he usually kept an eyepatch over his right eye. He didn’t know what was wrong with that eye, but it didn’t always see the world right, so he kept it shut and covered with an eyepatch. He thought it made him look cool and mysterious anyway, so that was a plus.

After walking out of the bathroom, Aki noticed Jaune was still on his computer, but he wasn’t wearing his headphones anymore.

“Feeling better?” Jaune asked, eyes glued to his screen.

“A little bit,” said Aki.

“That’s good. By the way, I had a question for you…”

“Oh? What is it?”

For the second time that night, Aki took a good look at Jaune. He had fair skin, a handsome face, silver eyes, and very light green flowing hair that seemed to naturally float around. Jaune was a sylph, a race of people who were once thought to be wind spirits, but outside of being quick on their feet and having hair described as “lighter than air”, they were fairly ordinary folk.

“Are you free this weekend?” asked Jaune.

Aki tensed up. “What?”

“Are you free? I ask because sometimes you go to those local fashion shows.”

“I… Uh… No, I don’t think I have anything going on this weekend. Why?”

“Well,” Jaune turned his laptop, showing an advertisement for an upcoming event, “there’s gonna be a carnival not too far from here for the next couple of weeks, and it seems like you’ve really be struggling with cabin fever. I figured maybe going someplace fun on the weekend could do you some good.”

Aki’s hands were feeling clammy. He tried to play it off, leaning against the corner of Jaune’s locker. “Aaah, I see how it is. So you’re finally making a move on me.”

“I mean you can call it that if you want to. I just wanted to go and thought it’d be boring if I went by myself, and you’re right here, so… You know…”

“Then it’s a date,” the kitsune pointed, wearing a false grin. Smooth, Aki. Real smooth, he thought. Jaune seemed to chuckle at the line, so it made Aki feel a little better about it.

Aki flopped onto his bed once more. Even though he had already said yes to going to the carnival with Jaune, he couldn’t help but have mixed feelings about it. Was it a date, or not? Did it matter? Aki and Jaune were friends, after all. If anyone asked, it was none of their business anyway. Still… Aki couldn’t help but be preoccupied with the idea, and he twirled a bit of his hair with his finger as he thought about it, and when he finally went to bed, he dreamed of carnival games, bright lights, and overpriced, delicious food.

---

The week that followed felt agonizingly long to Aki. Nevertheless, he gave each class his all, doing homework as he received it instead of putting it off until the weekend (or as he most often did, the day before it was due). Aki even followed all of the rules, making sure he was back before curfew. He didn’t realize it at the time, but in hindsight, it was clear what was motivating him so much.

Then the day finally arrived. As Aki still worked part-time at a coffee shop, he and Jaune agreed to meet at the carnival after Aki’s shift around 4pm. This gave Aki just enough time to run back to his dorm, shower, change, and catch the bus. Aki decided to wear a black t-shirt, a flannel overshirt, and jean shorts. He made sure to brush his hair too, so it looked extra fluffy the way he liked. As he was ready to head out, he stopped and thought, Wait a minute, why am I overpreparing like this? It’s not like this is a date or anything. I’m just going out with a friend…

The kitsune rolled his shoulders to relax, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, centering himself. It was just an excuse to have fun. Just an excuse to have fun. Just an excuse…

When Aki finally showed up, he saw that Jaune was wearing slacks, a sweater vest over a buttoned shirt, and a nice jacket.

“What is that?” Aki asked.

“What’s what?” Jaune asked.

“Look at what you’re wearing! You’re like one of our professors!”

Jaune frowned slightly, looking himself over. “I like these clothes, though…”

“H-hey, I didn’t mean you looked bad or anything.”

“Then why are you laughing?” Jaune glared.

“Be… Because…” Aki did his best to hold in his laughter. “You… You look like such a dork.”

Jaune shrugged and said, “Well, whatever. You still wanna do this?”

“Of course! Do you know how amped up I am right now? I’ve been waiting on this all week!” Aki’s good eye beamed and his tail wagged behind him.

“Then let’s get going.”

“Hell yeah!!”

The two got in line, and when the time came, Jaune got both himself and Aki little wristbands. This would let them go in and out as they pleased all day, as well as let them ride every ride. Games and food, of course, were a separate matter, but they’d play that by ear.

Once inside the carnival, Aki had a sudden surge of energy beyond how he already felt, causing him to check out every colorful attraction he saw. There were the rides, of course, but there were also game booths with prizes, weird food stands that smelled of batter and frying oil, and a petting zoo. There was even a concert zone for bands – though no one was playing at the moment.

“Aaaah, what do I do first? Everything looks so fun! Should I have made a checklist or something? Maybe I should go pet the animals first, or maybe get some food? But if I do, I might spew everywhere on the rides. So maybe rides first?” Then Aki stopped, turning around slowly. “Ha ha… Sorry. I got a little carried away. How do you wanna do this? Should we stick together, or pick a meeting spot so we can do whatever we each like?”

“I think it’d be better if we moved as a group. Who knows what could happen with so many people around. I don’t know what to do first either, so I’ll follow your lead. And don’t worry about expenses either. I got us covered.”

“Wait, seriously? You really mean it?”

“Yeah!” Jaune beat his chest, looking proud of himself. “I found some gigs to do on the side, so a day at the carnival should be no problem for me.”

“Are you sure? It’s not like I don’t have money…”

“It’s fine. I just want you to enjoy yourself.” Hearing this, Aki stumbled, feeling weak in the legs. He clasped his heart, feeling it beat a little faster. Jaune moved in and put his hands on Aki’s shoulders. “Hey man, are you okay?”

“Y-yeah, I just need a minute…”

What was that feeling? Aki wondered. He decided to ignore it for the time being and turn his attention back to the carnival. Curfew on the weekend was a little more forgiving, but Aki didn’t want to risk getting in trouble again. With no time to waste, Aki decided to start with some rides, and the pair walked deeper into the carnival.

There were plenty of people moving back and forth around Aki and Jaune. Just about every race Aki could think of passed him by. He saw humans, people with horns, pointed ears, multiple eyes, animal people like himself, and everything in between. Many people dressed warmly like Jaune, while others, who were obviously used to the chill of Autumn, dressed lightly and showed off quite a lot of skin. Aki couldn’t help but compliment all the pretty and handsome people he passed by before finally settling on the roller coaster.

“You ever been on one of these bad boys?” Aki asked.

“Nope!” said Jaune. “Looks kinda dangerous. You think accidents ever happen?”

“I mean… Yeah… Probably. But that doesn’t mean it’ll happen to you. Half the fun is the thrill, the danger! You aren’t gonna chicken out on me now, are you?”

“Nah… I should be fine. Probably…”

“Well if you ever feel nervous, you can always hold my hand.”

“You really mean it?”

“Ye… Yeah…”

Goddammit, what was I thinking?

The line for the roller coaster was long. It was clearly the fan favorite among the carnival goers. The pair stood in awkward silence as they waited five… Ten… Twenty minutes, still waiting in line, all the while the line kept growing. At one point there was someone who cut in line behind the pair, and it seemed like a fight was about to break out. Aki’s ears and tail drooped. Then, Aki felt Jaune grab his hand.

“Jaune?”

“Don’t worry about them, Aki. I’m here for you.”

Aki’s face went beet red, his muscles tensed, and his ears perked right up. “Thanks man…”

“No problem. We’re roommates, right? Of course I’d look out for you.”

“Yeah… Roommates…”

It was long until the commotion was settled by security nearby, and after a painfully long wait, the pair finally got to the front of the line. One of the staff manning it, who had red skin, horns, and a pointed tail, looked Aki and Jaune up and down.

“Hmm. Yeah, you guys should have no trouble. Just be careful with your arms, and make sure the locking device clicks into place.”

After they were given the go-ahead, the pair went up the stairs, got in the roller coaster, and locked themselves in with buckles, straps, and the overhead metal bars for extra security.

“All right! You ready, Jauney-boy?” asked Aki.

“About as ready as I’ll ever be,” said Jaune.

“Good enough!”

When everyone was in place, the roller coaster started moving. It was a slow, steady climb up, and Aki could tell Jaune was getting nervous. He decided to reach out and hold Jaune’s hand, almost as a way of repaying him for the favor earlier. And then, the roller coaster descended, moving at a fast, exhilarating pace. Both Aki and Jaune screamed – one from joy, the other from terror. They sped around corners, went upside down through loops, then started the ride all over again. Aki lost track of how long the ride lasted, but around the third or so loop, Jaune seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself, and they both threw their hands in the air.

After the roller coaster was over, they left through the exit and were handed a photo.

“Huh? What’s this?” asked Aki.

“The ride takes photos at certain points. Just a way to treasure the memories,” the staff said.

Aki and Jaune looked at the photo closely. It was near the beginning when Aki was having fun, all while Jaune was tensing up and clasping his metal safety bars like his life depended on it. The kitsune nearly killed over laughing, and Jaune tried to snag the photo from him, but Aki was too quick and ran off.

“You want it? You gotta catch me!” said the kitsune.

Then the race was on. Aki led Jaune from ride to ride, using the embarrassing photo like a carrot on a stick. Together, they rode on the Zipper, the Scrambler, the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Gravitron, bumper cars, and even the carousel. Aki was laughing his head off, having the time of his life. Looking back at the man chasing him, it was clear Jaune was having lots of fun too. They were like a couple of kids, just going wherever they wanted to and doing whatever they pleased.

Several rides later, Aki and Jaune took a break in the carnival’s food court, grabbing yakisoba and funnel cake. While eating, Aki remembered something.

It’s just like before… Aki thought. Me and my sister were sitting just like this… Eating food after some rides, just like this…

“Is something wrong?” Jaune asked.

“Oh, it’s… I used to go to the carnival a lot with my sister. Our parents weren’t the most dependable sort, so my sister was always the one to look after me. Our time spent together at fairs like this are some of my nearest and dearest memories.” Taking a big bite out of his funnel cake, Aki asked, “Do you have any memories like that?”

“No, unfortunately.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. This is the first time I’ve even been to a carnival.”

Aki’s eye went wide. “Get the fuck out. You’ve never been to a carnival before?” Jaune shook his head, and Aki couldn’t help but join in, totally flabbergasted by his friend’s words. “But… But… Kids always go to carnivals!”

Jaune shrugged. “My mom never had the money for that kind of thing, and my dad was never really around, so… Yeah. This is my first time.”

“Then… We have to make sure you see everything. If I’m the one to pop your carnival cherry, then we gotta do this right!” Aki took Jaune by the hand and pulled him along. “Come on, the rides are waiting for us!”

“But… My yakisoba…”

“Food can wait! Rides, now!”

And they both got right back to it. Jaune had trouble earlier with the rides, but he had gotten used to them by this point. Aki, on the other hand, did not fair so well. The food getting tossed around inside made him nauseous, and it took every ounce of willpower for Aki not to spew on the other riders in the Gravitron. As soon as the ride was over, Aki ran off to the bathroom, making some real nasty noises inside his stall. It took a good deal of cleaning, rinsing, and spitting to make Aki feel even remotely normal again, and by the time Aki left the bathroom, he looked woozy.

“Hey… Why don’t we… Take it a little easy?” said Aki.

Jaune gave Aki a shoulder to lean on and said, “You were the one that wanted to run around everywhere…”

---

From that point on, the pair was done with rides. They moved onto carnival games, such as the strongman game (which Jaune did surprisingly well at), a water gun game that Aki got a little too heated while playing, and balloon popping with darts. The pair walked away with some fun little toys and prizes, but nothing substantial. Most of the games only offered trinkets. But then, Aki noticed one of the booths had huge plush toys as its top prizes, including a fluffy fox doll the size of Aki’s torso. Just looking at the doll made Aki squee with delight.

“That’s so fucking cute!!” Aki said, his tail wagging.

“You like the fox, eh?” said the guy manning the booth. “If you can beat my game, it’s yours!”

The person running the booth was a short but muscular man with long red hair and a full beard, with green eyes and somewhat pale skin. He was a dwarf, by Aki’s reckoning, with fine clothes that included a nice vest and a bowler hat.

“Who are you? You look… Familiar,” said Aki.

“Me? The name’s Ratigan. I can’t say we’ve ever met before. I’d remember a distinguished kitsune like yourself if we had.”

“Trying to butter me up, huh?”

“Is it working?”

“Maybe a little.” Aki then looked at the game. It was a kind of hunting-themed game, with a pellet-shooting rifle and metal ducks with targets on their bodies. “Hm… How does this game work, exactly?”

“It’s quite simple, really. That rifle can hold a total of ten shots. The goal, of course, is to knock down the ducks! If you can knock down ten ducks, you win a prize! If you can knock down the goose as well, you win the BIG prize, such as that fox doll up there,” Ratigan pointed with his cane. “Of course, if you don’t hit enough, you get squat. Them’s the rules, take it or leave it.”

Jaune stepped up and asked Aki, “You really want that doll?”

“Yeah!” Aki said excitedly.

“Then let’s do this,” Jaune said to Ratigan. “I’ve handled rifles before. Should be no problem.”

“Confident! I like it. Just remember: your best bet for knocking the targets down is hitting them dead center. If you only hit a corner of the target, there’s a good chance they won’t fall, so make sure your aim is straight and true.”

Jaune slid Ratigan the entry fee. “Just give me the gun already.”

Ratigan counted the dollars and said, “You got it.”

Aki couldn’t help but be surprised by Jaune. He had never seen his friend so serious before. As the man took up the rifle, put the butt against his shoulder, and looked down the iron sight, Aki thought, Wow… I know I called him a dork earlier, but he… Looks pretty cool right now.

Despite the cool aura Jaune gave off, he didn’t get enough to win a prize the first time. Or the second time. Or the third time…

“Ah, almost, almost! You can give up now if you want. I wouldn’t blame you…” said Ratigan, a twinkle in his eye.

“Sorry, but my friend wants that fox doll, so I’m getting him that fox doll,” said Jaune.

Ratigan smirked. “So be it!”

“Are you sure about this?” Aki asked. “We could always do something else…”

“You don’t understand,” said Jaune. “It’s not just about helping you. It’s… A matter of pride. I used to go to marksmanship contests all the time when I was growing up. I helped my mother hunt. I can’t just let a carnival game beat me.”

Aki nodded. “Then do your thing. I know you can do this!”

Despite Aki’s words of encouragement, though, Jaune still struggled to win that prize. The goose in particular seemed to be a difficult target. It was larger, but faster, and anything shy of a perfect shot barely made it budge. Then, Aki noticed something peculiar. He saw Jaune make a clean shot on a target, dead center just like Ratigan said he should, but it didn’t fall. Not at first, at least. There was a small delay between the hit and the target falling over.

Wait… What was that?

Stranger still, Ratigan was watching the targets as well. He expected someone manning a booth to not pay much attention. And yet, Ratigan was watching the targets like a hawk.

Hold on, his arm. Did it just move?

Aki watched closely, and every once and a while, Aki saw Ratigan’s arm move ever so slightly, like he was hitting something behind the cover of his booth. He didn’t know what, but at this point he was certain something foul was afoot. When the game was over, Aki walked up and said, “Okay, let me try.”

“Are you sure?” asked Jaune.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

Aki slid Ratigan a few dollars for the entry fee, but instead of taking the rifle, he picked up a rock and hucked it right at the goose. Not only did it hit the goose dead center, but it didn’t move at all. Everyone nearby was so shocked; they didn’t say a word.

“W-what the hell was that?!” shouted Ratigan. “Are you trying to break my game?”

“I can’t break something that’s already broken. This whole thing is rigged!”

“No it’s not!” Ratigan slammed his fist. “The pellets set off the targets! A rock wouldn’t make them fall!”

“But all you said was that they needed to be hit dead center. Why would a tiny pellet be enough, but a rock wouldn’t?”

“That… Is strange,” said Jaune, rubbing his chin.

“You two are just crazy. I already laid out all of my rules, so if you don’t like the game, you can go somewhere else.”

“What’s going on?” said a nearby security guard.

“Ah, officer! Thank heavens! These two are trying to break my game!”

“You are?” the guard asked.

“I’m doing no such thing!” said Aki, his hairs standing up. “We’re getting ripped off because the game is rigged! Ratigan is pushing some buttons or something to make the targets fall! The timing is all off! Here, I’ll show you!”

Aki picked up another rock and hucked it at a target. This time, the target fell.

“Ha! I told you it wasn’t rigged,” said Ratigan.

“You were just prepared this time!” said Aki. “Show us what that arm of yours is doing!”

Ratigan glared, saying, “My arm is doing nothing but tapping wood. I have nothing to show you.”

“I’d like to take a look, though,” said the guard.

“B-but officer!”

“If you don’t have anything to hide, what’s the problem?” asked Aki.

“It’s a violation of my rights! I am a perfectly legitimate businessman, and this is my perfectly legitimate business!” Ratigan pointed with his cane.

“Then what does this do?” the officer asked from behind the booth. Ratigan jumped from the guard getting close so suddenly. Then a few taps later, Aki and Jaune watched as targets just… Fell. “Huh. So it really is rigged.”

Aki turned and gave Ratigan the stink eye. To this, Ratigan said, “Hold on, there’s a perfectly good reason for this.”

Of course, the guard was radioing in, talking with a superior officer to see what he should do. Based on the conversation, carnival staff got involved as well, and by the end, Aki heard, “… The dunk tank? If you say so,” from the guard. The guard then turned to Ratigan and said, “Come with me. The staff have a new job for you.”

Ratigan wasn’t so eager to comply, so the guard had to drag him along. The dwarf kicked and yelled, “Get your hands off of me! I have rights, you know! I have riiiiights!!!” until he disappeared into the crowd.

“You know, I kinda feel bad for him,” said Jaune.

“I don’t,” Aki crossed his arms. “He must have cheated you out of fifty bucks! Speaking of which…” Aki climbed onto the booth and pulled the fox doll down. “I think you earned this.”

As Jaune looked at the fox doll, he said, “But… I was trying to get it for you.”

“Well yeah, I get that, but…”

“Go on, it’s okay. It’s yours,” Jaune smiled.

“You don’t even want a look? All riiiight. But it’s mine forever now.”

A bead of sweat slipped down Jaune’s face as he said, “Well… I wouldn’t mind looking at it for a little bit…”

“Nope!” Aki pulled it away. “No takebacks. His name is Ivan and he’s mine now.”

Jaune’s shoulders drooped at this, and he said, “Dang. I hope he makes you happy.” Jaune then looked around and said, “Shoot, it’s getting kinda late. Should we call it, or is there something else you wanted to do?”

Aki looked around as well. It was dark but it wasn’t quite time to leave. Then he noticed the Ferris wheel light up in the distance and said, “There is one thing we could do.”

---

Aki and Jaune arrived at the line for the Ferris wheel. Only couples were in line – mostly guys and girls. Aki’s ears drooped at the sight, hiding part of his head behind Ivan.

“What’s wrong? Are you nervous?” asked Jaune.

The kitsune’s heart started to beat fast. He didn’t know what to say, so he spoke in a purposefully deep voice from behind Ivan, holding the doll up and puppeteering its limbs.

“Ivan says he’s scared of heights, so he’d feel a whole lot better if someone held his paw.”

Jaune smirked and said, “All right, if that makes you feel better.” He then grabbed Ivan by the right paw while Aki held onto Ivan’s left paw. Aki felt dumb over the whole thing, and yet… It was nice of Jaune to go along with it. He wasn’t sure if his friend knew what was up or not. Frankly even Aki wasn’t sure. Was his heart beating fast because of the Ferris wheel, knowing the day was almost over, or… Something else?

After a bit of waiting, the pair were finally let onto the Ferris wheel. They sat across from each other, with Ivan to Aki’s right. Then the wheel started turning, and they rose further and further into the air. The slight shaking of the cart made Aki tense up even more and he practically went stiff. But then… He looked to his left out the window. He could see most of Benard City in the distance, the lights of its cars and buildings sparkling in the night and dancing across the river between the carnival and downtown. It was… beautiful. All the tense, nasty feelings welling up inside Aki just sort of disappeared. Even Jaune seemed in awe, as Aki looked over and saw his friend looking out the window wide-eyed too.

“Woooow. That’s really the city we’re from, huh? It looks so different from up here,” said Jaune.

“It really does. That’s why I like the night so much,” said Aki. “You get to see the other side of the things you’re familiar with…”

When they reached the top, everything seemed quiet. Aki saw the way the Ferris wheel’s lights hit Jaune’s face, making his skin and eyes look as pretty as the sight outside. The sensation in Aki’s chest intensified once more, and he couldn’t help but grip his knees. Why was he feeling this way? He had known Jaune for such a long time. What was it about tonight that made him feel such… Longing?

“Jaune, I know this seems kinda out of left field, but… I think I li-”

Before he could finish, Aki’s words were interrupted by the boom of fireworks. Pop after pop, fireworks flew up into the sky and burst into a dazzling display of colors. Once more, the pair was in awe, yet at the same time, Aki felt… Disappointed. He had worked up the courage to say what was on his mind, but he had been cut off. He sighed, feeling like he’d never get that chance ever again.

When the ride was over, Aki walked slowly. He was still carrying Ivan, and he watched Jaune move on ahead, the distance between them growing more and more.

It was just one outing. Why am I making such a big deal out of this? Is it really so… Important?

Then they were at the bus stop. Jaune was looking around, but for what, Aki wasn’t sure. They were the only ones there, so perhaps it was for the bus?

“Hey Aki,” said Jaune. “About what you said earlier… I think I like you too.”

“What?!”

Aki’s face got flushed once again, and he hid behind Ivan in embarrassment, but Jaune pushed the plush doll down and kissed Aki on the lips. Aki froze in place. What was happening? Was it real? How could it be? This wasn’t the Jaune Aki knew! But… It was real. This was really happening. Aki felt the warmth of Jaune’s lips for just a few seconds, and then Jaune pulled back.

“That wasn’t too soon, was it?” Jaune asked, rubbing the back of his head and smiling like a dork.

Aki grabbed Jaune by his stupid sweater vest and started shaking him. “Are you telling me you wanted to kiss me and you waited until we were at the fucking BUS STOP to do it?! You could have done it anywhere! The food court, the Ferris wheel! Anywhere but here!!”

Jaune’s voice shook with his body as he said, “But you didn’t say you liked me until we were done on the Ferris wheel! I didn’t want to make a move if you weren’t into it!!”

“How could you even hear all that with those loud ass fireworks?!?”

“Because I was paying attention!!!”

Aki stopped, taking slow, deliberate breaths. He put his head on Jaune’s chest and said, “I can’t believe you… You dork.”

The pair kept their distance from one another for the rest of the night, sitting in different seats on the bus, and walking with a gap between one another. When they finally got in their dorm room, Aki just sat in silence waiting his turn while Jaune showered. Somehow, Aki couldn’t even look at Jaune.

When night came, Aki rolled around restlessly in bed. There was so much he wanted to say, but he just couldn’t. Even Jaune noticed all the kicking and rolling Aki was doing.

“Aki… What is it this time?”

Unsure how to respond, Aki talked in that deep voice again, holding up the fox doll. “Ivan said… He’s cold… And he needs someone to help warm him up.”

Jaune sighed and got out of bed, moving over to Aki’s bed. After slipping under the covers, they both laid there, staring at the ceiling while Ivan sat between them. They didn’t do anything too physical that night, but… Aki did reach out for Jaune’s hand, and he reached out his. Feeling the warmth of Jaune’s fingers intertwined with Aki’s, the kitsune fell fast asleep. The last thing he heard was from Jaune.

“Good night, Ivan, and good night, Aki. Sweet dreams…”

---

Author's Note: This was commissioned by a friend who likes to do AU-type stuff with their D&D/pathfinder character, and asked if I could do a write up of a modern slice-of-life/romance idea they had involving theirs and their spouse's characters. In the game I ran for them in the past, Aki was a kitsune sorcerer and Jaune was a sylph gun chemist. Aki is exactly as much of a hot mess as a sorcerer as he is here as a university student. Quite fun to write for, as well. This also features a guest appearance by another one of my player's characters, Ratigan, who in the normal game is a dwarf/dhampir multi-classing guy who loves gambling and swindling people, so after I got the player's permission, I slotted him in as a minor antagonist for fun. Ironically for how much Aki and Ratigan would cuss each other out in-game, they're actually pretty good friends. They just try to kill each other sometimes. You know... Friend stuff.

I like how this comm turned out and my friends liked it too! I'm glad they gave me permission to share it here. Hopefully whoever is reading this got some enjoyment out of it too. :D

[kuizoku1986]

Bill Hader Confirms Romance With Ali Wong After Months of Speculation

We have no beef with this couple: Ali Wong and Bill Hader are dating! After months of speculation, his rep told Entertainment Tonight that the Barry actor and the Beef star are an item. In fact,... April 18, 2023 at 07:14AM Berwick Pennsylvania Brinklow Maryland Arena North Dakota Sedalia Missouri Mc Girk Missouri Robbins California Clark Pennsylvania Turner Arkansas Glenwood New York Sheldon Vermont Sweeden Kentucky Williston Tennessee https://unitedstatesvirtualmail.blogspot.com/2023/04/bill-hader-confirms-romance-with-ali.html April 18, 2023 at 09:19AM Avalon Mississippi Whitewater Indiana Bernice Louisiana Braidwood Illinois North Clymer New York Blue Hill Maine Mays Landing New Jersey New Canton Virginia Greenvale New York https://bakersfieldcaliforniamailbox.blogspot.com/2023/04/bill-hader-confirms-romance-with-ali.html April 18, 2023 at 09:38AM https://unitedstatescounselingcreditconsumer.blogspot.com/2023/04/bill-hader-confirms-romance-with-ali.html

[doritopaw101]

Jasper, You can't just say Whitewater's a basturd kit and not give context, please give context.

Fair point anon

So….in The Plaguing Darkness, mateship is a weird thing. It’s mostly just you mate and kits pop out not much of romance but it depends on the chief and their attitude to it. Raggedmoon’s attitude was basically ‘cheating is fine as long as you produce useful offspring’

If you want more context to Raggedmoon’s whole deal, see here.

White’s dad had an affair with another guild mate, the two mollies didn’t know about his cheating until White’s birth. Parsley was born a few days earlier and White’s dad seem to be more in favor of White’s mom, Oakstripe however when White was born his tune quick changed and proclaimed his mateship of Parsley’s mom, Stemfoot.

Light fur coats are a warning in the guild for bad luck but the cats themselves don’t face much discrimination since they have some color on them however pure white cats are seen as bad omens and bad luck for the guild. It’s pretty common for parents to abandon the white offspring or just ditch the kit at the border.

Blizzardwing, Sagewhisker, Cloudpelt all faced discrimination for their pelts as did Blackfoot. Blizzard and Sage’s mom died not after birth and their dad ditched them. It’s why Sagewhisker chose to be a warlock. Cloudpelt was lucky since he had three loving parents who didn’t a damn about his pelt (or his deafness) and was just glad he survived. Hollyflower was ready to smack anyone who suggested abandoning Black to her.

White’s mom went missing not to long after birth and some members of the guild were quick to blame White however Nightpelt took custody of her as her biological couldn’t give a damn…..until Parsley’s Mom disappeared as well. The guild just kept blaming White for it and her biological father seemed to start and encourage it.

Nightpelt called for his exile and the custody of Parsley and Raventail, Murkstorm, Palecloud, Marshshadow, Featherstorm (five every important cats) backed him up and Raggedmoon’s paws were tied so she exiled him and Nightpelt was given custody of Parsley which finally gave the chance for White and Parsley to bond.

White and Parsley also have a bond with Nightpelt’s other kits as well.

White and Parsley’s dad’s name is Bogfur and he’ll show up.